IRONWOOD -- At the April Board of Trustees meeting, Gogebic Community College President James Laurenson advised the Board that Dean Steven Wesselhoft had submitted his request for retirement.  Dean Wesselhoft is the current Dean of Student Services, and he has been a member of the GCC staff for twenty-five years.  Since that April meeting, President Lorenson has been interviewing candidates for Wesselhoft’s position.

At last evening's Board meeting, Lorenson submitted Monica Powers to the Board as his choice to replace Dean Wesselhoft.  The Board unanimously supported Lorenson’s selection.

She will become GCC Dean of Student Services on June 1.  President Lorenson told the board members that both Dean Wesselhoft and Dean Emeritus Lindquist will both be available to assist Powers when she comes on board.

Dean Powers’ résumé indicates substantial experience in numerous positions necessary as GCC Dean of Student Services.  Her work experience at Montana State as Director Student Opportunity Services, Federal Trio Programs and Student Support Services included responsibility for the development, implementation, and management of the SSS/TRiO Program.  She has been in the student services field for over 16 years. 

Powers has assisted students in the transition from a Community College and she herself began her college education in a two year college, later transferring to a four year institution.  Powers has received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern New Mexico University, a Master of Education from the same university and is now completing her Doctorate of Philosophy at University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is defending her dissertation.

In other Personnel moves, Karen Balyeat of Ironwood was appointed to a full-time on campus Allied Health instructional position.  She replaces Kit Malloy, who will retire at the end of the academic year.  Balyeat holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN.  She holds a Michigan licensure as a Registered Nurse and has certifications in a number of specialty areas.  In addition, she has teaching experience and has 27 years of professional work experience.

Kristi Montonati, Bessemer, has been hired for a part-time position of Administrative Assistant of the TRIO Program.  She replaces Delaine Maki, who has retired.  Montonati will graduate from GCC in May with an Associate of Arts degree and is a work study office assistant in the GCC Admissions Office.  She is currently a TRIO student.

The Board also accepted the resignation of Stephanie Justinak as the GCC Volleyball Coach and authorized the administration to seek a new coach for the vacated position.  Justinak will remain as the GCC Woman’s Basketball coach, student life coordinator, and as a Freshman Seminar instructor.

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Guest article written by Lou Bonagura of IronwoodInfo.com 

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